Not only is QF larger , it is getting larger by the day. More Dash 8's are on their way (from Germany) and more 717's (new).
QF have huge pockets - they can withstand any competition from a regional without a "big brother" behind it . It surprises me that anyone could believe there can be any long term success of a carrier that does not feed a major and goes "head to head" against such a major carrier. This is the real world , you have to work with QF not against them if you want longevity - thats just a simple plain fact of life. Perhaps thats why the sales contract STILL has not been signed.